The 2019 Chevrolet Traverse FWD with the 3.6L V6 gets 21 MPG combined. It’s not the best, but it’s what you get for a spacious, comfortable family vehicle that focuses on passenger space and cargo over outright efficiency. Buyers of the Traverse aren’t looking for Prius-like fuel economy; they want to fit kids, sports gear, and hardware store purchases. They’ve probably considered minivans but prefer the style of a large crossover, even if it means slightly higher gas bills.

City and highway performance

EPA estimates for the 2019 Traverse FWD show a clearer picture. The city rating is 18 MPG. This reflects the impact of the Traverse’s weight and 3.6L V6 in stop-and-go driving. The 27 MPG highway figure is better, showing how the nine-speed automatic transmission helps keep the engine at its most efficient during steady cruising. Long road trips will be easier on your wallet, but expect that average MPG to drop closer to the city estimate during daily commutes in urban areas.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA calculates the annual fuel cost for the 2019 Chevrolet Traverse FWD at $2,100. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 55% city and 45% highway driving, using the national average fuel price at the time. Your actual fuel costs will vary based on your driving, local fuel prices, and the gas you use. The manufacturer recommends regular unleaded and premium fuel won’t improve fuel economy enough to justify the extra cost.

Real-world expectations

The EPA provides a standard, but real-world fuel economy often varies. Aggressive acceleration, frequent hard braking, and heavy loads can all hurt your MPG. On the other hand, smooth driving, proper tire inflation, and minimized idling can help you get closer to the EPA estimates. You might even exceed them on long highway drives. The onboard fuel economy computer will likely change a lot depending on driving conditions.

How it compares

The 2019 Chevrolet Traverse is in a competitive market. Other options exist if fuel economy is a big concern. The Honda Pilot, for example, gets 20 MPG city and 27 MPG highway with front-wheel drive, close to the Traverse’s highway number but a bit better in the city. The Toyota Highlander, another popular choice, has similar numbers to the Pilot. The real difference is when you look at the GMC Acadia, the Traverse’s platform-mate. It can get similar numbers in its front-wheel-drive form, but it’s sometimes seen as more luxurious, possibly attracting buyers when fuel economy is similar. For those willing to sacrifice some space, the Mazda CX-9 offers a more engaging driving experience with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, often getting around 22 MPG combined, making it a more efficient choice, but it’s smaller inside. All Chevrolet fuel economy data shows that the Traverse is right in the middle, a trade-off for its size and capabilities.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The nine-speed automatic transmission in the Traverse is designed to get the best fuel economy, but it works best with smooth driving. Accelerate gently, and don’t “stomp” on the gas pedal, especially from a stop. This will let the transmission shift smoothly, keeping the engine at its most economical RPM.

Tire pressure is important for fuel efficiency. Make sure your tires are inflated to the pressure listed on the driver’s side doorjamb. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and use more gas. Check your tire pressure regularly, especially when the temperature changes.

Minimize idling. The 3.6L V6 uses fuel even when you’re stopped. If you’re going to be stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Modern starters are made for frequent use, and restarting the engine uses less fuel than idling for a long time.

Avoid unnecessary weight. The Traverse can carry a lot, but extra weight hurts fuel economy. Remove any unnecessary items from the vehicle, especially heavy ones, to reduce the load on the engine and improve gas mileage. Consider the overall TRAVERSE MPG across all years to see if newer or older models suit your needs better.